Big cats such as lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars fascinate us like few other creatures. They are enduring symbols of natural majesty and power. Yet despite the magnetic appeal of the big cats, their origins and evolutionary history remain poorly understood—and human activity threatens to put an end to the big cats’ glory. On the Prowl is a fully illustrated and approachable guide to the evolution of the big cats and what it portends for their conservation today. Mark Hallett and John M. Harris trace the origins of these iconic carnivores, venturing down the evolutionary pathways that produced the diversity of big cat species that have walked the earth. They place the evolution and paleobiology of these species in the context of ancient ecosystems and climates, explaining what made big cats such efficient predators and analyzing their competition with other animals. Hallett and Harris pay close attention to human impact, from the evidence of cave paintings and analysis of ancient extinctions up to present-day crises. Their engaging and carefully documented account is brought to life through Hallett’s detailed, vivid illustrations, based on the most recent research by leading paleontologists. Offering a fresh look at the rise of these majestic animals, On the Prowl also makes a powerful case for renewed efforts to protect big cats and their habitats before it is too late.

Cat experts Fiona and Mel Sunquist present comprehensive entries for each of the thirty-seven cat species that include color distribution maps and up-to-date information related to the species' IUCN conservation and management statuses, while their informative sidebars reveal why male lions have manes (and why dark manes are sexiest), how cats see with their whiskers, the truth behind our obsession with white lions and tigers, and why cats can't be vegetarians. The Wild Cat Book also highlights the grave threats faced by the world's wild cats--from habitat destruction to human persecution.

This is the story of the big cats, from the majestic lion to the powerful tiger. Learn about the first big sabre-toothed cats and the secretive jaguar of the South American rainforests, and discover how the female leopard cares for her young.

Explore the everyday live of the mountain lion, cheetah, jaguar, tiger and their ancestors.

Describes how and where big cats live, and how they hunt.

Big cats are a perennial favorite of young nature lovers, and in this handy paperback colorful close-ups reveal the features of the big cat species, while full-page, lavish artwork captures the way in which they care for their young, the dangerous environments in which they live, and the work that people do to protect these amazing creatures.

Combines photography, research, and personal observations of the worlds eight big cats.